Carole J. McMurry, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, in Olympia, Washington, at the age of 87. Born on January 9, 1939, Carole spent most of her life in the Olympia area.

Carole graduated from Olympia High School in 1957 and as a teen was honored as the Fire Queen of the Black Lake Fire District, a title that reflected her vibrant spirit and beauty. She had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in walking, exploring nature, and appreciating the quiet beauty around her. That love often inspired her oil paintings, where landscapes and nature reflected both her artistic talent and her thoughtful view of the world. She also enjoyed wood working, gardening, and vintage cars. 

Throughout her life, Carole was strong in her Christian faith, which guided her values and the way she cared for others. Carole built a dedicated career as an Insurance Office Manager and contributed many years of service to the Olympia Phone Company. 

In 1958, Carole married Duane H. Springer. They welcomed four children, including their son Timothy, who passed away after one month of life and was held close in her heart. Carole went on to lovingly raise three children - Ron and Andy Springer, and Terri Nute. In 1998, she married Don Kirschbaum, with whom she shared a full life until his passing in 2013. Family was always at the center of Carole’s life, and she took great pride in her ten grandchildren and 26½ great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.

Carole also enjoyed RVing in the Arizona desert, where she spent that time painting and embracing her creative passions. Her artwork reflected her ability to find beauty in simple moments and in the world around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents - Arthur E. and Ezelpha M. McMurry; her brother, Larry; her sister, Rickie Horgdal; her husbands, Duane H. Springer and Don Kirschbaum; and her sons, Timothy and Andy Springer.

Carole is survived by her children - her son Ron (Diane) Springer and her daughter Terri (Tom) Nute; her grandchildren, Crystal (Keith) Ciupak, Kara (Josh) Gray, Courtney (Mike) Hartley, John (Lauren) Irwin III, Jestina (Caleb) Green, and Jason (Stephanie) Tracy, Jessika (Josh) Burkhardt, Jamie (Kevin) Reynolds, Jodi (Jacob) Brinkmeyer, Jaraih (Tariq) Schmidt; and her 26½ great-grandchildren, who brought her great joy.

Carole now rests in the peace of God’s eternal presence, reunited with the loved ones who went before her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, strength, creativity, and devotion to family. Her gentle spirit, artistic soul, and quiet laughter will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family invites loved ones to remember Carole through the joyful moments shared with her and to celebrate a life well lived.